In The Words of Bono

It's a beautiful day. Why? Because two years ago I wrote this about Valentine's Day.

"What a day. I called mom. Wished her a happy v-day. Today I am being reminded that somewhere, someway, somehow I will meet "the one."

But today something strange happened. Many of my married friends are rushing around trying to find some last minute V-Day present. You know, that little something that means and says so much to someone who means the world to them. And they have an hour lunch break to find it. At Wal Mart. Then I tell them that I called my mom and that phone call in itself satisfied all of my V-Day obligations. And the jealousy they had towards me was palpable.

What a lovely echo of God's grace. On a day that has been a sore spot for singleness in the past, God turned the tables on me. Now people envy me on Valentine's Day."

That was February of 2006. Now that it's February of 2008, I have a little different perspective. I have met the one. Danielle is simply the best and greatest person I know. How do I know this? Because nobody makes me feel as warm, loved, and cared for like she does. Nobody makes me as happy as she makes me. And nobody occupies my thoughts more than she does. Another reason I am convinced that there can be nobody better for me: nobody frustrates me like her. That must be love.

I have had girlfriends in the past. None of them challenged me to actually be a better person. None of them nudged me so consistently towards maturity like she does. I certainly didn't need a doormat that I could walk over and lord over for the rest of my life. God knew exactly what I needed.

When I proposed to her, she was so transfixed on the ring and its shiny-ness, that she probably missed what I said to her. Plus she MAY have been overwhelmed by the moment. For you and for her, here is what I said:
"Danielle, I never thought God would grant me the grace to love someone more than I love myself. But he has given me you. I love you with all of my heart."

It was true on November 9th. It is still true on Valentine's Day, February 14, 2008. And it will be true until Moses is my small group leader. I always prayed that God would overlook my failings and sort of blindly bless me in this department. He has. I am and will always be truly grateful.

Now if we could just stop having every conversation dovetail into baby names...